Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ 360,137	$ (784,430)	$ 165,970	$ (997,742)
Other comprehensive (loss) income:
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax	(22,627)	326,342	428,055	10,260
Minimum pension liability adjustment, net of tax			(141)	(932)
Total other comprehensive income	(22,627)	326,342	427,914	9,328
Comprehensive income (loss)	337,510	(458,088)	593,884	(988,414)
Net comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	248	62	507	4,475
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Laureate Education, Inc.	$ 337,758	$ (458,026)	$ 594,391	$ (983,939)